McLaren 12C GT Can-Am Confirmed For Limited Production

McLaren announced they will make 30 units of the 12C Can-Am Edition track car, first seen at the Pebble Beach Concourse 2012. The name Can-Am pays homage to Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme who successfully raced a series of McLaren models in the Can-Am series.

Dubbed the ‘ultimate track car’, the 12C Can-Am is based on the 12C GT3 race car, but you can’t race it in any of the official racing series. It’s a track toy, like Zonda R. But what a good toy it is. The 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine gets a unique calibration and optimised cooling system in this car, so it now makes 630 horsepower.

That power is then harnessed with a massive aerodynamic kit, among other things, providing tons of downforce thanks to its big front splitter and even bigger rear wing.

To be differentiated from the real GT3 car, the Can-Am gets a number of carbon fiber bits and bobs, including door mirror mounts and covers, engine cover vents, side radiator intake vanes, sill covers and badges. Another unique features of the car is the black satin-finished forged lightweight racing alloy wheels, with Pirelli racing tyres.

Inside the cabin you get a full FIA-approved race-specification rollcage, two race seats and full six-point harness, plus a unique McLaren GT steering wheel straight out of the 12C GT3 race car. The Can-Am is probably the only race car that comes with an air condition system.

McLaren 12C Can-Am is a wonderful thing. However at £375,000 apiece, it is a rather expensive way of amusing yourself.